AFA Staff

AFA Journal staff reviews movies, books and other resources

January 2016 – Author tackles happiness in a fallen world 
Randy Alcorn spent three years researching and writing on a biblical view of happiness in his new book by the simple title of Happiness. One of the nation’s premiere authors and teachers, Alcorn says he examined “the often neglected truth that though the present world involves much evil and suffering, nonetheless God calls us to find pleasure and delight in Him.”

Everyone desires to be happy, but too often people seek it in the wrong ways. Alcorn points out a key concept, something readers may not have recognized: Holiness and happiness are inseparable.

A complementary booklet, God’s Promise of Happiness addresses in a condensed version major points covered in the larger book.

“It is written for both believers and unbelievers,” Alcorn says, “and I believe its pocket size and the question and answer format will make it a helpful tool in sharing the Gospel of Christ.” Alcorn is founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. His books are available at epm.org.
— Randall Murphree

Live Love Lead
In Live Love Lead, author Brian Houston reveals how to live fully, love completely, and lead boldly. Houston is founder and global senior pastor of Hillsong Church, which he founded in 1980 in Sydney, Australia. Readers will likely also be aware of Hillsong Music, one of the world’s largest producers of Christian music.

“Life is a journey, a winding path filled with many unknowns,” Houston says. “It’s only possible to navigate because of God’s power and grace.”

Houston’s new book helps readers navigate that faith journey and discover their unique gifts and purpose. For Houston as pastor and as author, the bottom line is to help others follow Jesus. 

Live Love Lead offers a collection of easy-to-read, life-changing principles based on Houston’s life-tested experiences and powerful biblical truths. Available at brianhouston.com.
— Randall Murphree

Julia
What if children learned at an early age that life in the womb is valuable? They can. What if the progression of a baby growing in her mommy’s belly was portrayed through endearing story-telling imagery? It is.

In Julia Learns How to Protect Life Wisely, author Carla D’Addesi uses easy-to-understand life cycle analogies from nature to explain the origins of life. Artist Wendy Potzgo packs every page with engaging illustrations. Together, they establish the truth that human life is created in the image of God. Age appropriateness is 4-10. Available in English and Spanish at online booksellers.
— Anne Reed